Zakhel’ ukukhanya Grief Consultas hosted their annual 2026 Without You – Grief and Loss event , on March 28, at Uthombo Guest Lodge.

This event is aimed at helping one understand the stages of grief as they navigate their healing process.

One of the organisers, Nomalungelo Rathlahane was proud of the turnout as it exceeded her expectations.

“When hosting such events, you never know what to expect because grief is a very sensitive and unpredictable subject,” she said.

The event was both sentimental and emotional as attendees shared memories of their loved ones.

One of the speakers spoke about the importance of forgiveness and letting go of past traumas. A moment of silence was observed allowing the audience to reflect.

Attendees were encouraged not only to forgive others but to forgive themselves for holding on to pain for so long.

Pastor Mboneni Tsangwane spoke on the stages of grief and the difference between loss and grief.

“Loss is not about loved ones, but the loss of dignity, assets, self-worth, amongst other things,” Tsangwane said.

A depression activist, Smangele Nkosi educated the audience about the dangers of bottling up emotions caused by childhood trauma.

Rathlahane reflected on the moments that stood out to her including a talk by Sipho Radebe, who was brave enough to share his story on how he had to raise his twin sisters on his own after the death of their mother.

“Later on in life, he had to raise twin boys as a single father in the absence of the children’s mother.

“Puleng Hlatshwayo also shared how she lost her six-year-old twins, Itumeleng and Tumelo as they were allegedly poisoned by their father.

“She spoke on the power of sharing her story and how it has helped her to choose herself and overcome her challenges,” she said.

Bonolo Mokpo’s mother and twin sister were present at the event. Bonolo, a 16-year-old girl from Tsakani, was found dead in a sewage drain on March 29, 2025.

“Her body was discovered by community members two days after she was reported missing, near where police had ceased their search,” Rathlahane explaiend.

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Amahle Michel Thabethe’s mother was also invited. Amahle is an eigh-year-old who went missing on April 6, 2019, in Tsakani.

She was last seen being lured by an unknown man while playing outside her home, and still hasn’t been found.

“Amahle’s mother told us that hearing people share their stories and supporting each other in grief gave her a lot of hope,” Rathlahane said.

She added that attendees requested that the event be hosted again soon so their loved ones could have the opportunity to experience it.

“There were also audience members who got a platform to share their stories for the first time and were able to find some form of relief from sharing,” she concluded.